I was worried and teary-eyed. I remember looking at my wise, older friend who had faced so much heartache, but had so much joy, and said, “But, what do I do?”

She looked at me and smiled and said, “You keep seeking Jesus through His Word. You diligently guard your heart and mind in Him, and you tell others about Him.”

And maybe all these years later, in this even crazier world, that’s why I get so upset when I hear church women say they are “too busy for the Bible study” and they “especially don’t want one with homework”.

Oh friend if ever there were a time for those who feel like aliens and strangers here, those who call Heaven, “home” to do our “home” work— it’s now! (1 Pet 2:12)

1 Peter 2:12 reminds us this is not our home, but tells us we’ve got to do the work to “abstain from worldly lusts which war against the soul.”

And for some of us, those worldly lusts look innocent, but in reality, it can be anything that keeps us from seeking God and doing the “homework ”— things like the longing for free time, social media, vacations, house cleaning …you name it! For anything we place ahead of God can become an idol.

We’ve got to daily put in the work to dig deep to remember truth, and test everything in order to refute the lies of the evil one and hold on to the good! (1 Thess 5:21)

False teachers are increasing (Matt 24:11). We don’t want to fall for the deception of those preaching a false gospel, or calling wrong things right, and we want to know enough to warn those we love!

As we do our “homework”, we will find encouragement in the biblical truths that inspired the saints of old to stand for the cause of Christ.

We do the “homework” because we want to be able to train up our kids and grandkids so they will know they can trust what God says more than what they think or feel and not depart from the way of peace and hope when the days get harder. (Prov 22:6)

We do this “homework ” every day because we all have hearts that are prone to wander, prone to leave the God we love.

Our flesh will fight with our spirit until the day we leave this earth for our true Home. (Gal 5:17) Older friend, you don’t outgrow this flesh struggle or outgrow your need for daily bread.

No, those who love the Lord are wise to do the homework so we are prepared to give an answer for the hope we have and so we remember we, indeed, have hope! (1 Pet 3:15)

I know you’re busy. But let’s be real, all of us only have 24 hours in the day. Choose well. Do the work as Paul told Timothy, “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim 4:5).

For if you don’t do your “homework”, the enemy may deceive you into believing your life can be easier, but it won’t be easier and neither will your kids and grandkids who will miss out on the godly encouragement you can give them.

And the best thing you can give those you love will come from the overflow of the time you spend loving and seeking the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30).

Oh friend, do your homework!

Bible studies will be starting soon at many of your churches. Find a good one and go! And if you are homebound for a season, there are many studies available online.

Resist the urge to sit down and sit out! These are not the days to shrink back but to diligently guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

seekGod

readtheWord

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